Tales of the Hunger Heroes

COMMUNITY NEWS Tales of the Hunger Heroes

Hunger Hero” is the name for the incredible range of county residents of all ages, inventing ideas and investing time raising donations for Second Harvest Food Bank and its 80+ food distribution partners. They make the annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive, Nov. 4 to Jan. 15, an annual success.

Heroes raise more than half of the food Second Harvest provides through the year for food-insecure families in our county. One hundred percent of Holiday Food & Fund Drive funds are feeding hope for local community members, no money raised goes to administration or overhead.

Who Are Our Hunger Heroes?

There are so many. Here’s a small sampling.

“Second Harvest Food Bank has always been our favorite to donate to,” says Robin Berkery, owner of Jazzercise Santa Cruz and Aptos. “Our community feels there is no better way of donating to this wonderful cause than through a workout program. Last year we began selling virtual raffle tickets in exchange for food bank donations. People win prizes for local businesses like restaurants, massages, art, and wine. Our goal this year is beating last year’s record of $7,000.” Feeding hope and nurturing empathy, Mount Madonna School’s second grade Hunger Heroes are leading their community’s food and fund drive. Guided by their teacher, students connect with preschool through 12th grade peers, asking school families, teachers, staff, and friends to help feed hungry people.

See the students’ Second Harvest donation page: https://give.thefoodbank. org/teams/16653-mount-madonna-school).

At the other end of the education spectrum, the UC Santa Cruz community has created a donation page at https:// give.thefoodbank.org/teams/16440uc-santa-cruz. Each year the university community runs a contribution campaign donating tens of thousands of dollars to this year’s drive.

“UC Santa Cruz is fully engaged in campus-wide support of the Holiday Food and Fund Drive — our Chancellor

Mount Madonna School second graders. is also chair of the county-wide effort this year,” points out Nathan McCall, manager, HR Business Information Services at UCSC.

“Hunger Heroes” page 8

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

From your friends and neighbors who make up our family of healthcare professionals. Our Family Caring for Your Family.